When my family started taking $1,300 out of my paycheck every month without my permission

For almost a year, I worked remotely, sitting at my brother’s dining room table. I kept telling myself it was just a temporary solution.

My brother Marco insisted it would be “easier” when I returned to the city after a difficult breakup. His wife, my sister-in-law Daria, smiled warmly and said, “Family helps family.”

At first everything seemed completely normal and reasonable.

Trying to be a good host.
Every time I went grocery shopping, I paid for the groceries. I bought cosmetics and personal items.

Whenever I could, I even gave Marco money for utilities. My remote job paid well, but I was recovering financially from a difficult breakup.

I wanted to save up for my own apartment. Living temporarily with my family seemed like a smart way to rebuild.

Then I started noticing a disturbing trend in my bank account.

Every month, right after my paycheck hit my account, exactly $1,300 disappeared. The first time it happened, I thought it was a banking error.